Rick Warren in North Korea?
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” II Timothy 4:3
Those who know me know that I’m no fan of Rick Warren. There is something about the man that isn’t “quite right” with me.
Proverbs 18:15 states (KJV): “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”
Rick Warren encourages readers to “seek God’s truth in new fresh ways”, using the “Living Bible” version of Proverbs 18:15, which says: “"The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them."
Sorry, call me dense, but I don’t see these two versions of the same verse saying the same thing.
I have not heard a clear presentation of the Gospel from Warren.
Warrens’ prayer for salvation: "Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you." To that he adds: "If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God!"
No mention of repentance, sin, the consequences of sin, or a realization of our need for a Savior (Acts 3:19). And no mention of Who Jesus really is. (John 14:6, Romans 10:9) Just “I believe in you, I receive you.”
Some other Warren quotes:
“… you can best understand scripture by reading as many different translations as possible” (See II Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 5:12-14) [In actuality, reading as many different versions as possible will confuse – especially a new Christian] ( I Corinthians 14:33)
“I'm worried that evangelicals be identified too much with one party or the other. When that happens, you lose your prophetic role of speaking truth to power” (see II John 1:10-11)
“Muslim fundamentalism, Christian fundamentalism, Jewish fundamentalism, secular fundamentalism - they're all motivated by fear. Fear of each other." He also predicts that fundamentalism, of all varieties, will be "one of the big enemies of the 21st century."
At the end of a recent sermon Warren told his congregation, "Life is not about having more and getting more. It's about serving God and serving others." That is not what Scripture says about why we were created. (Revelation 4:11)
So now Warren is headed to none other than North Korea (Kim Jong II territory) to bring his “message of purpose”. And at this point, I can add nothing to this story other than to suggest reading this article.
Rick Warren will fit in perfectly with a one world religion. His watered down Gospel won’t offend anybody. (II Timothy 4:3)
Other reading: The Purpose Driven Pastor
Scripture references:
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:12-14
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” I Corinthians 14:33
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” II John 1:10-11
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
Labels: Problems in the Church
thoughts from Ms.Green @ Thursday, July 06, 2006
6 Comments:
I've never read the book, but it's undeniable that it has great impact on many who have; like the woman in Atlanta who was able to talk her captor/fugitive into giving himself up. It would be nice to know that some of those who have read the book actually came to Christ. I haven't followed Mr. Warren's career/success enough to know whether he is, or isn't genuine, but judging from your post it sounds as though he and Oprah have a lot in common... which means he probably isn't. Which is sad. Especially in Oprah's case since she gives so much of herself and her fortune to help the less fortunate, and victims of every social ill I can think of, here in the U.S. and around the world... Very sad.
I have read the book. It changed my life. It got me back into church when I did not trust the church and organized religion. Most people who attend church regularly tend to get very narrowed minded in their theology, because there is a bond built within the church. They have forgotten they are getting comfortable because they have support and friends in every aspect of their life. From what I have seen, this enables the church going Christian to have more time to think and even subtly criticize others way of perceiving and relating Christ and God to a life that is still not practiced in the forgiveness of sin. Remember when you were lost?
This man's book is jam-packed with the word and hope for a young or backsliding soul that needs a positive suggestion to get him or her back on track.
That night, after I read the first chapter, I slept like a baby.
God does not need our political thoughts, comments, or help to sort through everyday events in this country or any country.
If Rick Warren sadly makes a fool of himself like Billy Graham did, who cares? You and I are not so cool all the time, are we?
God is easy. Don't complicate Him.
And remember, my deep-thinking, speculative friends, promotion comes from God. This man must be doing something right.
I just bet God is pleasantly sitting there watching us haggle over matters that only justify our
opinion, and He is not moved at all, but quietly waiting for his next miracle to happen.
Ann, I have no doubt that for a saved person such as yourself Rick Warren is a great motivator and encourager. I know quite a few people in my church who read his materials and the 40 days of purpose is being studied in one of our Sunday School Classes. And I rejoice that his book brought you back into God's Will in forsaking not the assembling together with others. What I don't like about him is his "watered down" gospel and some of the public statements he has made (some of which I quoted in my article). I have not seen or heard anything from him that would clearly explain to a lost person how to truly get saved. He may be a great motivator for saved people, but he's not preaching a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is that we are all sinners who need a Savior and that we can do nothing to save ourselves - that we must turn from our sin, ask Jesus to forgive our sins and save our souls. Unless a person has truly understood that, a simple "Jesus I believe in you and receive you" is trusting in a prayer for salvation and not in the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. There is plenty of information about Warren himself and what he teaches and preaches - he also admits that Robert Schuller had a tremendous influence on him and the way he conducts his church. Many of Robert Schuller's doctrines are unscriptural.
Also, God holds men like Warren to a higher standard because they are directly responsible for the souls under their care (Luke 12:48, Hebrews 13:17).
I'm glad you stopped by and took the time to comment. Hope you stop by again. I may at a later date do a more in-depth article on Warren.
I use this blog to voice my concerns about the world around me and to try to spread the Gospel. I knew when I started this that I would have people both agree and disagree with me, and I'll post comments even if they disagree as long as they are not abusive or out-and-out lies, so feel free to comment anytime!!
Scripture references:
Luke 12:48:"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
Hebrews 13:17: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
Hey Shar,
Glad to help with comments anytime. Life would be boring if we all thought the same all the time. However, I am down with your thoughts on the universal truth that because of Jesus, and only Him, we are saved. Perhaps I also have faith that searching people will hear this message, along with the watered down ones. I am trusting God with their salvation and hope he uses me to help. a
He's ready to use all of us to reach the lost if we'll let him. I try to witness to as many people as I can - if I or they don't have time to talk, I at least give them a tract. You never know what your witness might do - plant a seed, water, or see the harvest!!
Rick Warren is simply a modern day Gnostic and brings this out in many of his teachings. He states that we must "all love our selves and that God accepts us unconditionally." God does not accept us unconditionally we must come through the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12-John 14:6-1 Timothy 2:5. The "Gospel of Warren" teaches self love, self forgiveness, self acceptance as you are and self dependance to state salvation as being your doing. But God states just the opposite when he states in 2 Timothy 3:1-2 that In the last days men will become "lovers of themselves". And also they will set their sights on those that sound good and look good deceiving themselves!
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